HUNTINGTON – Stanton Hall hosted “The Big Reveal” on Sunday, the unveiling of a shared brand for the six Gateway Hilltowns of Huntington, Blandford, Chester, Middlefield, Montgomery and Russell. The marketing campaign was developed through a Community Compact grant; one of several received from the Baker-Polito administration to advance economic development and shared services in the region.
Economic Development Director Jeanne LeClair and Hilltown Collaborative Chairman Andy Myers with the new Gateway Hilltowns brand. (Photos by Amy Porter)
What the six towns share is the Gateway Regional School District, along with a rich history and abundant natural beauty. “Gateway Hilltowns, Naturally” was unveiled on Sunday as the new brand for the region. The logo is in a postage stamp frame, superimposed over a photo of the hills, with an opportunity to feature photos of different locations and events going forward. The purpose of the campaign is to invite potential homeowners, businesses and visitors to discover the region.
The Hilltown Collaborative, chaired by Andy Myers of Chester and Economic Development Director Jeanne LeClair used $18,000 of a total $40,000 grant for the year to hire TSM Design of Springfield to develop the brand through focus workshops with representatives of the six towns. “Everyone’s been really engaged,” said Janet Bennett of TSM Design.
Caden Borri of Russell received a framed print for winning the scavenger hunt.
The festivities on Sunday started with a scavenger hunt to visit landmarks in all six towns and take a photo in each. Caden Borri of Russell, who made it to five of the six locations, won a framed commemorative poster with photos from all the towns. Borri, a senior at Gateway Regional, is a member of the Enterprise Club started by LeClair at Gateway to encourage entrepreneurship among students.
During the program, Myers said this grant was the third for economic development, after studies indicated that trends, including population declines and aging, weren’t going in the right direction. He then introduced LeClair, whose position was initially funded through one of the grants, and will now continue through shared funding from the six towns that was approved at annual meetings this spring.
LeClair unveiled the marketing campaign and invited town representatives to talk about it. Derrick Mason of Russell talked about a future for the Gateway Hilltowns that is “progressive and exciting,” and about “people working together, and a willingness to expand the boundaries.”
The events featured music by Jill Connolly, David Bartley and Dave Christopolis.
The event also featured music by Jill Connolly, David Bartley and Dave Christopolis, and an abundance of pies donated by area businesses and participants.
LeClair said she is delighted to have a new brand as she works to create economic opportunities and attract young families as residents. “We’re not looking to change the quiet, hassle-free lifestyle of these six towns. We are trying to reverse some declines in population and fill some empty store fronts. We want people to know about our scenic wonders and appreciate them,” she said.
“All of this is holistic,” commented Patrick Beaudry of the Pioneer Valley Planning Association, which has been involved in the towns since the Community Compact was signed, and is working with them on shared financial and IT services. “What Jeanne does will allow the communities to grow,” he added.
